Update given after inquiries into 79-year-old man's death in wake of Sunderland crash

A 79-year-old man who died after his car crashed on a busy Sunderland road died following a medical event, it has been confirmed.
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The man was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital with serious injuries and Northumbria Police confirmed that evening he had died.

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A woman related to the man, who was a passenger in the car, also sustained serious but not life threatening injuries in the incident and was also taken to hospital for treatment.

The scene of the collision on Thursday, April 1, on Millum Terrace in Roker.The scene of the collision on Thursday, April 1, on Millum Terrace in Roker.
The scene of the collision on Thursday, April 1, on Millum Terrace in Roker.

Police inquiries were carried out into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with witnesses urged to come forward to help with their investigations.

No other vehicles were thought to be involved.

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Following the man’s death, a force spokesperson said: “Our specialist officers will continue to support the family of the driver of the Volvo and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”

The case was passed on to Sunderland’s Coroner’s Office, based at the civic centre, as the initial inquiries began.

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It has today, Monday, April 12, confirmed the man’s family and the coroner are content to release details the man suffered a medical event at the wheel.

Because of this, the death has been classes as due to natural causes and there will be no further investigation or inquest hearing held into his death.

His family have asked his identity is not shared publicly.

The North East Ambulance service said one of its patient transport vehicles stopped to assist at the scene after it came across the crash.

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It then sent two ambulance crews, three crews from its Hazardous Area Response Team, a specialist paramedic and an officer.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said it sent two appliances and two officers from Sunderland Central Community Fire Station were sent to the incident.

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